Today's stocks to watch include TWX, ZNGA, CBOE, COST, and AAPL

Traders have sprung into action this morning ahead of the Fed's policy decision, the European Central Bank meeting, and the big jobs number on Friday. In early activity, stocks appear poised to begin August on a positive note. In the meantime, the earnings faucet continues to flow and the first same-store sales number has hit the Street. Below are some company-specific items to watch:

Earnings news: Time Warner Inc. (NYSE:TWX) said second-quarter earnings dropped 33% within a challenging environment; adjusted earnings were a penny above estimates, while revenue fell short of the mark (MarketWatch); Electronic Arts Inc. (NYSE:EA) lost 41 cents per share in its first quarter, narrower than the loss expected by analysts. The video-game maker also announced plans to buy back up to $500 million of its own stock (Bloomberg BusinessWeek); Harley-Davidson Inc. (NYSE:HOG) announced a 30% jump in second-quarter earnings as revenue increased 17%. These figures were mixed with regard to analysts estimates, surprising to the upside on an earnings-per-share basis and falling short in terms of revenue. (The Wall Street Journal)

It's no surprise in the litigious world we live in, but Zynga Inc (NASDAQ:ZNGA) has been slapped with two class-action lawsuits in the wake of its disappointing earnings report. Shareholders allege the FarmVille creator concealed business threats, resulting in a negative impact to bottom-line results. (Forbes)

MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) is spending $590 million, or $33.50 for 17.6 million shares, to buy back its own shares from Carl Icahn, who held a stake of roughly 25% in the studio. The deal represents a premium of almost 20% from the stock's recent trading price. (Los Angeles Times)

CBOE Holdings, Inc (NASDAQ:CBOE) upped its quarterly cash dividend to $0.15 per share from $0.12 -- a 25% increase -- effective with the third-quarter payable dividend on September 21. Additionally, the exchange's Board of Directors approved an additional stock buyback worth up to $100 million. (MarketWatch)

Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is delaying launch of its Nexus Q streaming media device in order to enhance functionality. Consumers are anxiously awaiting the player's debut, as it marks the search giant's first independently engineered and manufactured product. (Wired)

TV addicts, rejoice! The latest update to the Apple Inc (NASDSAQ:AAPL) TV device allows users subscribing to Hulu Plus to use the service. The $8-a-month service – a venture of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS), Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA), and News Corp (NASDAQ:NWSA) – was already available on the Roku device and the Xbox 350. (All Things D)

Finally, what can $100 million buy you these days? An octagon-shaped penthouse in midtown Manhattan, apparently. This asking price is the highest for any New York apartment currently on the market, but the nine figures will get you six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and a private elevator. The owner originally bought the property in 1993 for $4.5 million. (USA Today)